Outside, the gardeners were giving a last roll to the lawns, and a last sweep to the paths.

In the kitchen the cook was setting out rows of small cakes, and the parlour-maid in the pantry was counting cups and spoons, and polishing the best silver urn.

In the school department finishing touches were put everywhere.

Great bowls of roses were placed in the drawing-room, and jars of tall lilies in the hall.

The studio, arranged yesterday with its exhibits of arts and handicrafts, was further decorated with picturesque boughs of larch and spikes of foxgloves.